Fearing those of the circumcision

Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. - Galatians 2v11-13

Peer pressure is a formidable foe. We tend to fear what others might think of us, and, as a result can sometimes modify our behaviour accordingly. Paul and Barnabas had been sent out to minister to the Gentiles. Everyone supported them and their ministry.

However, Paul had a real problem with Peter. Peter had no problem sitting, eating, and fellowship with the uncircumcised Gentile believers when he was just there with Paul and Barnabas. However, when the circumcision party came he changed and withdrew from them because he was afraid of them and what they might say about him. It was so bad that even Barnabas took part in the hypocrisy.

I can somewhat understand Paul’s heart here – he was defensive of the people to whom God had called him to minister. He loved them these people. These men who acted like they cared when no one was there, ignored them under peer pressure.

How often do we modify our behaviour because we are afraid of what other might say? Only we know in our own hearts. Clearly, we are not to act in a way that is going to flaunt liberty to offend others. But at the same time, we need to be careful that we are not hypocritical in our actions. It is all about balance and attitudes.